"This is no time for jesting." Commander Bainbridge, the executive officer, received the young officers in his quarters.

He proved to be more communicative, talking pleasantly with them for fully a minute and a half after the young men had introduced themselves, and had turned over to him the official papers connecting them with this dreadnought's personnel.
"Let me see, Mr.Dalzell," said Lieutenant Commander Bainbridge, referring to a record book on his desk, "you will be in Lieutenant Trent's division.

Find Mr.Trent on the quarter deck and report to him.

Mr.Darrin, you are assigned to Lieutenant Cantor's division.
I will have an orderly show you to Mr.Cantor." Dan departed first, walking very erect and feeling unusually elated, for Dalzell had thoroughly liked the appearance of Trent in their brief meeting, and believed that he would be wholly contented in serving under that superior.
While Dave's quarters were on the port side of the ship, Cantor's proved to be on the right side.
The messenger halted before a curtained doorway, rapping.
"Who's there ?" called a voice inside.
"Messenger, sir, showing Ensign Darrin to Lieutenant Cantor, sir." "Then you may go, messenger.

Darrin, wait just an instant won't you, until I finish my toilet." "Very good, sir." A moment later the hail came from within.
"Right inside, Darrin!" Dave entered, to find a somewhat older officer standing with extended hand.